"Obviously, that would be a cool story for him to go out like that, but you never know how the game's going to unfold. Every All-Star Game is different and I think the NBA and us players try to do the best job we can of honoring his career and his last stop for All-Star Weekend. Lot of different ceremonies, tribute videos, all sorts of ways to remember his career and acknowledge what he's meant to the game. So I'm sure that will continue throughout the course of tomorrow night."

Bryant has been named the All-Star Game MVP four times, most recently in 2011 in Los Angeles.

He insisted he has no desire to seek another a fifth MVP trophy.

"Zero," Bryant said. "I've never been one to really pull any punches. But, no, I'm really just enjoying this whole thing, being around these players and talking to them one more time, going out and practicing and enjoying that moment in the game and enjoying that moment."

No trade

Even the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers aren't immune from trade rumors in advance of the Feb. 18 NBA trade deadline.

Although Adam Silver now believes rules need to be put in place to discourage intentional fouling — teams employing the Hack-a-Shaq strategy to send awful free-throw shooters to the line — Silver said Saturday night that "there doesn't appear to be any clear consensus on what the new rule should be."

Silver noted that at least 20 of the NBA's 30 teams must vote in favor of changing a playing rule for a new rule to be passed.

Silver also said teams are using the Hack-a-Shaq strategy at a five and a half times greater rate this season than last season.

The commissioner also noted that the league most likely will send a memo to its teams within the next few days that will clarify the league's rules for when a player jumps on another player's back to commit an intentional foul. That memo will emphasize that referees have the discretion to call a flagrant foul in those instances because of the potential dangers involved.

Silver also said the league wants the NBA Development League to expand "relatively quickly" and ultimately reach 30 teams.

Orlando Magic officials have said they want to have their own Florida-based D-League affiliate that will begin play in the 2017-18 season.

Comic relief

The All-Star Saturday Night festivities were enlivened by a 3-point shooting contest between Golden State's Draymond Green and comedian and actor Kevin Hart.

Boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer — who is famous for saying "Let's get ready to rumble!" — helped kick off the one-on-one competition.